The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, October 11, from 6–8 p.m. at Woodward Contemporary, 3935 Harney Street, San Diego. Admission is free. The exhibition will be open during regular gallery hours, Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.  Proceeds will go directly to each artist.  

Palette of Possibilities showcases art produced by JIT youth in a series of creative wellness workshops led by Woodward Contemporary’s studio artist volunteers. transition-age foster youth, like Janae, have explored self-expression, emotional wellness, and storytelling through visual art.  

When I first came to Just in Time in 2022, it was because I heard about them through my ex-girlfriend. I wondered if I might qualify for their College Bound service, and that’s how my journey began. I’d just graduated from SDSU with a degree in psychology and a minor in art, and now I work as a behavioral therapist. 

I remember almost missing the Rise to Resilience art workshop because I was running late. I showed up for the last hour, not realizing that what I made that day, a blue abstract elephant, would later hang in a real gallery. It sold on the first day of the show. Seeing my art displayed like that felt like a dream come true. When I was a kid, I wrote that one day my art would be in a gallery. I found that note recently and realized I’d manifested it without even knowing. 

Art has always been a form of healing for me. My mom passed away when I was eight, and creating gave me comfort when words couldn’t. Now, I use art with my young clients to help them express emotions they can’t always explain. Watching a child light up when they paint or draw reminds me of why I’m on this path. 

My dream is to become a clinical psychologist and open my own holistic practice combining art and therapy. Rise to Resilience helped me remember that healing can be both beautiful and shared.

Janae at the Art Workshop

 Janae has been a Just in Time participant since 2022. She has participated in Rise to Resilience, Financial Fitness, College Bound, Pathways to Financial Power and My Life, My Story.